Humanitarian charity Catholic Relief Services (CRS) said two of its staff were shot dead at the weekend in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia, which has witnessed anti-government protests in recent days.
THE INCIDENT
The incident took place on Sunday, when demonstrations were held in several Amhara cities against government plans to dismantle regional forces.
“Chuol Tongyik, a security manager, and Amare Kindeya, a driver, were shot and killed in a CRS vehicle in the Amhara region as they were returning to Addis Ababa from an assignment,” the US charity said in a statement dated Monday, adding that further details were unknown.
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“The depth of our shock and sorrow is difficult to measure and we are saddened over this senseless violence,” said Zemede Zewdie, CRS country representative in Ethiopia.
“CRS reiterates our commitment to continue working in support of the people in Ethiopia,” Zemede added.
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‘DESTRUCTIVE’
The charity’s website said it has worked in Ethiopia for nearly 60 years.
On Tuesday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was “concerned about recent attacks on ambulances and healthcare staff evacuating patients suffering from life-threatening medical conditions in Amhara region.”
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“Health workers, ambulances & hospitals are not a target & must be respected and protected at all times,” the ICRC said on Twitter.
Restrictions on movement and other curbs were imposed in three cities in Amhara on Monday following the protests over moves to integrate regional military forces into the federal army or regional police.
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It is not possible to independently confirm the situation on the ground in Amhara as the region is restricted to journalists for what the authorities say are security reasons.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Sunday the initiative to dismantle the regional forces was for the sake of Ethiopia’s “unity” and warned that law enforcement measures would be taken against any “destructive” opposition.
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